CVE-2024-7199 in Complaints Report Management System
Summary
by MITRE • 07/29/2024
A vulnerability classified as critical was found in SourceCodester Complaints Report Management System 1.0. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /admin/manage_user.php. The manipulation of the argument id leads to sql injection. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-272620.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-7199 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the SourceCodester Complaints Report Management System version 1.0. This system is designed for managing user complaints and administrative functions, making it a potentially attractive target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the underlying database infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the /admin/manage_user.php file, where improper input validation allows attackers to manipulate the id parameter through sql injection techniques. The remote exploitability of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require physical access to the system to execute malicious code, significantly expanding the potential attack surface. Security researchers have confirmed that this exploit is publicly available, increasing the risk of widespread exploitation across vulnerable installations. The vulnerability's classification as critical indicates the severe impact potential, which could include complete database compromise, unauthorized data access, and potential system takeover.
The technical exploitation of this sql injection vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the id parameter in the manage_user.php file. When an attacker supplies malicious input to this parameter, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into sql queries. This allows the attacker to inject additional sql commands that can manipulate the database directly. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and improper parameter handling within the application's backend code. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into sql queries without proper sanitization. The attack vector operates entirely through web-based interactions, making it accessible to anyone with network access to the vulnerable system. The exploitation process typically involves crafting malicious payloads that can bypass authentication mechanisms, extract sensitive data, or even modify user permissions within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential business disruption. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, sensitive complaint data, and administrative credentials stored within the database. The compromised system may experience data integrity issues, unauthorized modifications to user records, and potential denial of service conditions. Organizations relying on this complaints management system face significant risks including regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and potential financial losses. The vulnerability's public disclosure status means that threat actors can readily develop and deploy automated exploitation tools, accelerating the likelihood of successful attacks. Security teams must also consider the potential for lateral movement within networks if the compromised system has access to other internal resources, as sql injection attacks often serve as initial access vectors for broader network penetration attempts.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability and protect their systems from exploitation. The primary remediation involves patching the application to properly sanitize all user inputs and implement parameterized queries to prevent sql injection attacks. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application code, web application firewalls, and database access controls. Security teams should also implement proper access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit the impact of potential exploitation. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1190 which describes exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, and T1071.004 which covers application layer protocols. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and implement robust security monitoring to detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and regular security audits should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and ensure rapid detection of any unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and regular vulnerability assessments in maintaining robust cybersecurity postures.